This question may seem easy to answer at first. But when you stop to consider what people think of when they imagine a church, you will find that everyone seems to have a different definition.
Do all churches have steeples? Do all churches have buildings? Can a church be a church without a choir, full-time pastor, weekly sermon or offering plate? Does a church service have to always follow the same predictable formula? Who developed the typical order of service? And where do we find pulpits in the Bible any way?
Can a church meet in a house? Are churches required to have strict doctrinal statements? What about a name? Can you be a church without a name or charitable status designation as determined by the IRS?
Do churches have to meet on Sunday? What about pews? Who invented them and why do so many saints lose heart sitting in them week after week?
Each question seems to lead to another question. Do you have to join to be part of a church? What does church membership really mean for most "Christians"? Should we look for a new church the same way we would shop for a new car? Do we have a right to play Let's Make a Deal with the church leadership?
Ok, my head is starting to hurt from so many questions. You think the issue over. What do you think makes something a church? If you only had a few words, how would you describe a church to a stranger from another planet?
Pray about it and listen to see what the Holy Spirit shows you. I'll share my thoughts later this week. Until then....Godspeed!
